I used the muffin tins for snacks when my kids were younger, and now that they are older I use a similar idea for snacks when they have friends over..I just use larger containers. Then I leave it on the table for them to enjoy through the day. I love that Spencer signs! By profession, I'm a sign language interpreter, and I still spend a lot of time working with the Deaf. My kids started as babies signing and now my 11yo is quite fluent. There are so many benefits to baby signing!! Such cute pictures.

I'd really like ASL to be my kids' "second language." I think its something we can enjoy learning together and practice together - more so than an actual foreign language. And it still (obviously) has potential translator career opportunities.

We still call the Muffin Tin Snack "Monkey Platters." Its a term the kids love (even the teen) and I like the variety she's getting when I put them together... now to work in some actual vegetables!

We tried the rock candy a couple of weeks ago but it didn't work. The top of the syrup solidified, but the stick never grew crystals. My husband thinks maybe the syrup wasn't saturated with enough sugar? I don't know whether cold temps played a role, either. I like the muffin tin lunches. I should try them with my younger son, who really hates to eat.